Once December 1st hits, you just know that your calendar is going to be filled to the brim with Christmas parties, reunions, and hang-outs. It’s like all the friends you’ve made in your entire life have decided to socialize this Christmas, and that can, admittedly, be tiring (not to mention expensive)! So, here are a few tips on how to deal with the December party rush.

It’s the season of giving, and also that time of the year when you suddenly realize just how many cousins, nieces, nephews, titos, titas, lolos, lolas, friends and colleagues you actually have. So, while you’d like to give everyone a good Christmas gift, you may not always have enough budget. Well, don’t fret because here’s how to purchase Christmas gifts for your loved ones without emptying your wallet.

It’s common knowledge that being stiff as a board while presenting is a no-no, and neither is wildly moving your hands about. So, while hand gestures are a must, there are some hand gestures that you should use, and some you should just not do.

To be honest, presenting to an audience can be pretty daunting in itself, but it’s extra frightening when that audience isn’t even lively. It can definitely bring on stage fright and insecurity, and those are things you definitely shouldn’t be feeling when presenting. So, how do you wake up a sleepy or unresponsive audience?

Mary Claudette Balangitan, 22

DLSHSI College of Medicine

I was that shy kid back in high school. I was a total wallflower. I didn’t know how to handle the challenges at home, school, social groups, and my own personal life so it reflected on me. After graduating from high school, I did what I can to improve and I’ve been wanting to break free from whatever that was blocking me mentally. So, I discovered this and it helped me realize that self-awareness and balance is the key to a happier life.

Jayzely Eroko Lacnit, 16

OB Montessori Center Inc., Grade 11 Personality Development Level III

John Robert Powers made me realize a lot of things. I realized that I always had the potential to do many things that I thought I couldn’t. “Self-confidence comes from within,” I was told. The only thing that’s stopping me from doing things is because I always told myself that I couldn’t. I learned that looking good and presentable on the outside will help me look and feel confident, which is true. People will look up to me and think I’m confident and intelligent. My point is, as long as you believe in yourself, you can do wonders. I’d like to thank JRP for making me realize that.